– TONY CUADRADO – File
SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 19 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Cabildo of Tenerife has announced a ban on smoking throughout the Teide National Park to mitigate the risk of wildfires and to protect one of the most valuable natural spaces in the Canary Islands and across the country.
Details of the Ban
The resolution, signed by the Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, stipulates that smoking is prohibited in open spaces within the National Park. This includes trails, roads, viewpoints, recreational areas, car parks, rest areas, and public facilities, except within explicitly designated covered buildings.
Reasons for the Decision
The President of the Cabildo of Tenerife, Rosa Dávila, highlighted in a statement that there have been three wildfires in protected areas of Tenerife in recent weeks, allegedly caused by cigarette butts.
“The fires have predominantly affected formations of broom and rockrose, two emblematic and endemic species of the island’s summits. These incidents demonstrate that a simple act of negligence can have serious consequences on unique ecosystems that are especially vulnerable to fire,” she added.
Dávila noted that this decision is based on the necessity to strengthen preventive measures in an environment that is particularly sensitive, characterised by a high influx of visitors, weather conditions conducive to fire spread, and vegetation that is highly flammable.
Impact of Smoking on Wildfires
The resolution also reminds visitors that smoking is one of the primary causes of wildfires registered in the National Park, whether due to the abandonment of cigarette butts, throwing them from vehicles, or improper handling.
This measure is enacted under the purview of national and regional regulations regarding forests, conservation of protected natural spaces, and wildfire prevention, alongside the principles of precaution and enhanced protection of natural heritage.
Visitor Responsibilities
Furthermore, it specifies that all visitors, users, employees, or those engaging in authorised activities within the National Park must adhere to the ban for the entirety of their stay in this protected natural area.
Call for Collaboration
The Cabildo of Tenerife is urging all visitors to collaborate and take responsibility to help conserve this unique site, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and part of the National Parks Network, ensuring its preservation for the future.
